April 2014

More spacious all new 2015 Honda Fit goes on sale this month

(April 10, 2014) TORRANCE, Calif. — With best-in-class passenger and cargo space, increased power, 41 mpg fuel economy rating (LX with Continuously Variable Transmission) and more refined, yet sporty dynamics, the completely redesigned 2015 Fit is poised to lead the subcompact segment.

Add to this an abundance of class-above standard features including roofline spoiler, LED taillights, Bluetooth connectivity and a segment-exclusive rearview camera for a starting price just $100 more than the outgoing model.

Ram introduces new 2014 Ram Heavy Duty Power Wagon

(April 10, 2014) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Ram Truck brand’s quest to build the best pickups continues with the "most off-road-capable pickup," the 2014 Ram Power Wagon. It is based on the Ram 2500 Heavy Duty 4x4 Crew Cab, but features a number of off-road-specific engineering enhancements, including a unique suspension with more than two inches of lift, locking differentials and a 12,000-pound winch to give the truck a significant advantage over all production pickups.

GM invests $449 million for next generation electrification

(April 9, 2014) DETROIT — In preparation for the next generation of electric vehicles and advanced battery technologies, General Motors will invest $449 million to upgrade manufacturing processes at Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly and Brownstown Battery Assembly plants.

“General Motors is committed to building award-winning products and developing technologies in America, which helps to grow our economy from a resurgent auto industry,” said Gerald Johnson, GM North America Manufacturing vice president.

Bentley moves forward with Hybrid Concept

(April 9, 2014) CREWE, England — Bentley is envisioning a powerful and even more efficient future with the Bentley Hybrid Concept, a technology showcase that previews Bentley’s first plug-in hybrid model, set to be a dedicated version of the all-new SUV available in 2017. The Bentley Hybrid Concept will be on display at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition on April 20.

As the first luxury brand to present a plug-in hybrid, Bentley leads the way in bringing new powertrain choice to the luxury automotive sector.

Toyota issues massive recall involving 6.39 million vehicles worldwide

(April 9, 2014) Toyota today issued a massive recall of 6.39 million vehicles worldwide for a range of glitches, from faulty airbags and seat rails to defective windshield wipers. The action covers five separate recalls, affecting about 2.34 million vehicles in North America and 810,000 in Europe.

Some vehicles were recalled for more than one problem. The recall cases involve 27 Toyota models, the Pontiac Vibe and the Subaru Trezia, produced from April 2004 through August 2013.

Ford's monthly sales in China cross 100,000 mark in March

(April 9, 2014) SHANGHAI —Ford China goes into the Beijing Auto Show with record monthly sales of 103,815 vehicles, a 28 percent increase over March 2013, crossing the 100,000 monthly sales mark for the first time. Excellent March performance brought first quarter sales up by 45 percent, with 271,321 vehicles sold compared to 186,596 during the same period last year.

Ford reveals new Focus sedan; retains title as world's best-selling nameplate

(April 9, 2014) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford Focus retains its title as world’s best-selling vehicle nameplate for 2013, according to Ford analysis of the just-released full-year Polk new vehicle registration data from IHS Automotive. The news comes as a new Focus four-door sedan prepares to make its debut at next week’s 2014 New York International Auto Show.

Chevy Equinox, GMC Terrain top rated midsize SUVs in small overlap crash test

(April 8, 2014) The Chevrolet Equinox and its twin, the GMC Terrain, are the only midsize SUVs out of nine evaluated to earn a good rating in the IIHS small overlap front crash test, which continues to challenge manufacturers more than a year and a half after its introduction.

Big win for Nissan is a big win for the planet

(April 8, 2014) NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Air is free, right? Tell that to the Nissan Energy Management team who combed through countless miles of tubing in the compressed air system in U.S. manufacturing facilities and repaired enough leaks to save 11,300 megawatt hours of energy last year.

2015 Corvette Stingray to offer eight-speed automatic

(April 8, 2014) DETROIT — An eight-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission will be offered in the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray for 2015, enhancing the performance and efficiency of the 2014 North American Car of the Year. Designed and built by GM, the new transmission delivers world-class shift times that rival the best dual-clutch designs.